The murmurs in the hall grew louder as Katherine’s words lingered in the air. The members shifted uncomfortably, internally their wolves tails brushing the floor, ears flicking toward one another for silent counsel.
Some younger wolves exchanged glances, swayed by Katherine’s smooth, confident tone. “She’s been here a long time… she knows the pack,” one murmured to another, voice tinged with uncertainty.
Others—older, more seasoned—held their heads high, eyes flicking toward Dustin and Crystal. They remembered the strength of the Alpha, the presence of Crystal as his mate, the way her aura radiated quiet power. They weren’t about to let ambition overtake destiny.
One of the elder wolves, a gray-furred male with scars mapping his face, finally spoke, voice rough but clear. “An alpha’s ch
